for dear life

1. Also, for one's life. Desperately, urgently, so as to save one's life. For example, When the boat capsized, I hung on for dear life, or With the dogs chasing them they ran for their lives, or She wanted that vase but I saw it first and hung on to it for dear life. These expressions are sometimes hyperbolic (that is, one's life may not actually be in danger). The first dates from the mid-1800s, the variant from the first half of the 1600s. Also see for the life of one.

Example Sentences

His white dress shirt screams for dear life as it struggles to maintain its integrity around his massive form.

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Amanjot had held her nerve, and the catch for dear life.

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Spurs had gone away from home in the Champions League on Wednesday and hung on for dear life for a draw against Monaco.

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I predict it will be billionaires controlling robots and AI while the majority of people just hang on for dear life economically.

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I am holding on for dear life, like I’m in the trenches with everyone.

Read more on Los Angeles Times